Developing Disruptive Tech Professionals/ Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Centre

1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The ICT sector is increasingly occupying an important position in the country’s endeavor to
achieve the targets associated with the National Strategy for Transformation & Prosperity, the
Vision 2035 and 2050 goals. The Vision 2050 and the Smart Rwanda Master Plan(SRMP)
laid out clear paths for the development of the Rwanda’s economy by defining the goal of
transforming the nation from agrarian into a knowledge driven economy. They set out
policies and social initiatives to achieve that goal. The ICT Sector Strategic Plan (2018-2024)
leverages on principles set under the SRMP: Establishing a Service-oriented, Modern,
Accountable, and Real-Time (SMART) Government that drives Rwanda’s global
competitiveness and job creation. Becoming a highly competitive, agile, open and innovative
smart economy with the most favorable business climate that attracts large-scale investments,
rewards entrepreneurship and enables fast growth and exports. This growth will leverage on
powerful ICT innovations such as Digital solutions, Internet of Things, Big Data and
Analytics, Creative Industries and Multimedia, Mobility & Digital Lifestyle, Robotics, Block
Chain, Artificial Intelligence and e-commerce. ICT Sector shall continue to be a catalyst for
rapid and sustained economic growth, equitable social development, employment creation
and Women and Youth Empowerment in ICT through the establishment of collaborative
innovation labs with academia, community and industry.

In general, an incubator at University is an center that provides a defined set of services to

students with hands-on training, and resources, alongside access to new networks, to help
students to have a clear understating on industry and community needs; and skills to start
own initiatives laid out from experience on campus. This may include access to emerging
technology, technical assistance and other business development services in promoting
knowledge transfer, both formally and informally.

There are several authors who have written about the benefits of incubation centers at
universities. Al-Mubaraki, H., and Busler, M. (2012), argue that incubation centers at
universities can play a key role in promoting economic development by supporting

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entrepreneurship and innovation. Etzkowitz, H. (2003) discusses the concept of the "triple
helix" model of innovation, which highlights the importance of collaboration between
universities, industry, and government to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

Guerrero, M., et al. (2016), argue that entrepreneurial universities can play a key role in
promoting economic growth and innovation by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and
supporting startups through incubation centers. Lalkaka, R., and Zutshi, A. (2017), provide a
comprehensive review of the literature on incubation centers and their role in promoting
entrepreneurship, highlighting the benefits of incubation centers at universities for startups
and the wider economy.

Rugambuka, R. J., and Ngirabakunzi, E. (2017), explore the role of business incubation in
promoting entrepreneurship and job creation in Rwanda, highlighting the benefits of
incubation centers for startups and the wider economy. Uwitonze, E., and Dismas, D. K.
(2018), argue that incubation centers can be an effective tool for promoting entrepreneurship
in Rwanda, and explore the benefits of incubation centers for start-ups and the wider
economy. Nsengiyumva, J. B. (2018), explores the role of incubation centers in promoting
entrepreneurship in Rwanda, and discusses the benefits of incubation centers for start-ups, as
well as the challenges and opportunities for incubation centers in Rwanda. The long term
strategic vision (2050) of the country, NST1 and Rwanda 7 Years Government Programme
discusses the benefits of incubation centers for start-ups, as well as the challenges and
opportunities for incubation centers in Rwanda.

Recently in Rwanda, and under the guidance and promotion of ICT Sector, incubation
centres have become an interesting approach to accelerate the development of technologies,
industries and business skills. However, it should be noted that the needs of responding to job
markets and commercialization of University research and innovation products remains a
challenge in the context of private higher learning institutions due to insufficient support or
capacity to considering setting up an incubator. Most of students’ final year projects are kept
in the school’s drawers while, if converted into product with sustainable business models and
with the aid of peers and mentors could be used by small-scale businesses, small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) and local government institutions that are in need of them.

To contribute in bridging the gap between what our students produce at academic level and
what is expected from them in the community and industry while considering the
inclusiveness of digitally driven growth women and men, the University of Kigali proposes

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the establishment of an incubation centre which will provide resources and support to
students, with a focus on promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

1.1 Establishment of UoK incubation centre: Centre of excellent academia-industry

University of Kigali intend to establish this centre to serve as a pivotal point, encompassing
all students research and innovation activities under a single umbrella from the development
of research proposals to the commercialization of research and innovation products.
This will involve consideration of :
 Establish links with a number of small-scale businesses and local government entities
(with signed MoUs);
 Provide Training and Mentorship;
 Entrepreneurship and MSME creation
 Enhance the innovative productivity of female and male students for community and
industry;
 Foster the entrepreneurial intentions and mindset of female and male students;
 Promote the contribution of female and male students to public and private sectors
development;
 Commercialization of students research and innovation products

1.2 Way forward

UoK currently delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in IT related

specializations. With the new initiative, the contribution of university to industry and societal
needs, and revenues of the university will significantly increase, hence enabling UoK regain
financial health through commercialization of converted students research and innovation
products; and thrive in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Rwanda and in the
region.

1.3 BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Overall, the establishment of an incubation centre at the University of Kigali will bring
several benefits, both for the university itself and for the wider community.

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- Knowledge transfer: The centre will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise
between academia, and industry, while creating a strong ecosystem for
entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Smart Industry dual model in addressing both academic and industrial concerns based
on students research and innovation Projects.
- Job creation: the centre will create new job opportunities for both Male and Female
students.
- Economic development: The centre will contribute to the development of Rwanda's
digital economy by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology
sector.
- Collaboration: The center will provide a collaborative environment where students
can work together, share ideas, and learn from one another.
- Branding: The center will enhance the reputation of the University of Kigali as
leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Enhanced reputation: The establishment of an incubation center will enhance the
university's reputation by demonstrating its commitment to promoting innovation and
entrepreneurship with female and male inclusion.
- Increased revenue: The incubation center will provide a new source of revenue for the
university through commercialization of converted students research and Innovation
products
- Improved student outcomes: The incubation center can provide students with hands-
on experience emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, business development, and
innovation, which will enhance their employability and career prospects.
- Increased research output: The incubation center will support faculty/Mentors in their
research activities by providing opportunities for collaboration and access to
specialized resources.
- Community engagement: The incubation center can facilitate engagement between
the university and the broader community by providing a platform for collaboration,
knowledge-sharing and making use of converted students research and innovation
products.

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 1.4 ACTIVITIES IN PHASES

University of Kigali will require the following phases:

Phase 1 - Conduct a feasibility study: The university will conduct a feasibility study to assess
the demand for an incubation center at both campuses, identify potential partners and
stakeholders, and evaluate the resources required to establish and maintain the center.

Phase 2 - Develop a business plan: Based on the findings of the feasibility study, the
university will develop a detailed business plan for the incubation centre, outlining the
objectives, activities, budget, performance indicators and establish a governance structure

Phase 3 -Develop partnerships: The university will develop partnerships with other
stakeholders, including industry, government, and academia, to provide mentorship, technical
expertise, and other resources to students.

Phase 4 - Establish a physical infrastructure: The university will establish a physical

infrastructure for the incubation centre, including office space, labs, equipment, and other
facilities.

Phase 5 - Launch the centre: Once all the necessary resources are in place, the university will
launch the incubation centre, promoting its activities and services to potential students,
mentors and partners.

Phase 6 - Evaluation Plan: To ensure the success of the incubation centre, University will
implement an evaluation plan that includes Performance indicators , Data collection, Data
analysis, Reporting and Continuous improvement.